It is fascinating how our beautifully painted walls become dirty and worn looking so quickly. Whether your children or your pets are the culprits, it is inevitable that scuff marks will appear on the walls of our homes. However, there is a way to clean your painted walls in order to keep them looking freshly-painted all year long.

Basic Wall Paint Maintenance

There is a little preventative maintenance you can do to keep your walls free from dust. Most vacuums come with a soft brush attachment which works well on your walls. After, spray your walls with a dusting agent and wipe them down with a mop or cloth.

How to Clean Walls Painted with Latex Paint

Always start by cleaning walls painted with a latex paint with the above dusting method. Next, dip a sponge in warm water that contains a non-abrasive cleaner. With the sponge, wash the wall! For tough spots that just won't come out, make a mixture of water and baking soda and wipe the area.

How to Wash Walls Painted with Oil-Based Paint

White vinegar is all you need to successfully clean a wall painted with oil-based paint. Dampen (don’t soak) the cloth or sponge with the mixture and rub the wall gently.

How To Clean Flat Painted Walls

There is no harder wall to clean than on that is painted in flat paint. The porous texture allows dirt to set into the surface of your wall and stay there. However, the longer you leave dirt or stains on the surface of your walls, the harder it is to remove. It is best to begin with the gentlest solutions first and then work your way up:

First, try cleaning the smudges with a soft rag soaked in warm water.
Next, try a melamine-foam-based product, like the Magic Eraser. If your wall is a dark color, this may leave a white residue behind. If it does, blot the area with a white towel.
If this job is requiring something a little more intense, try a mixture of 1 tablespoon of laundry soap mixed with a gallon of warm water. This method can be too harsh for many paints, so proceed carefully or test the solution on a hidden part of your wall (behind the couch) before taking it to an exposed area.
If none of these cleaning methods work, you may need to repaint your wall.

Keep your house feeling and looking in tip-top shape as long as possible. Clean walls are a great way to do this. If your home is in need of a fresh start, give us a call at Hensel Painting. We are offering 15% off all interior painting jobs booked before December 31st. Feel free to contact us online or give us call for a free estimate.